The Water To Go filtration bottle is an extremely handy and compact answer to all the problems many travellers and backpackers face with drinking water when travelling abroad. Perfect for all types of travel, you can find and get clean, healthy drinking water anywhere and reduce your single use plastic bottle consumption at the same time! Check out this review of the Water To Go Filtration Bottle.
This is a paid article written in partnership with Water To Go, with products or services supplied by them. Full editorial integrity is maintained at all times. The views and opinions expressed are entirely the authors own based on personal experiences when travelling and are honest and factual without any bias.
What Is The Water To Go Filtration Bottle?
The Water To Go bottle itself is simply a bottle. A hard wearing, sturdy and attractively designed alternative container to the bottled water you buy in the shops. The real muscle under the hood is the filter system that is held inside the bottle cap.
The Water To Go filtration system can take water from any source of water that you would normally never be able to drink with the only exception of sea water, and filters it to pure, clean drinking water.
The filter lasts for an impressive 200 litres of water or 3 months, whichever comes first. The patented system claims to not only kill bugs, parasites and bacteria from any source of water, but actually remove over 99.9% of them. I’ll be honest I haven’t personally held that claim up to laboratory conditions myself, but I have tested it on a variety of bad water sources from street puddles in Egypt to rivers and streams in Borneo and the Amazon and gotten a drink of fresh, clean water every time with no ill effects.
Why Is A Water Filter Bottle Useful For Travellers?
Traditionally filtration systems have been the reserve of military or NGO personnel, or serious hikers or trekkers heading off into the jungle, hills or mountains where there was a need to be able to find and source clean, safe drinking water without carrying it all with you.
In that respect the Water To Go bottle still performs admirably, even surpassing some of the more traditional water filter methods I have used in the past such as chlorine tablets.
Using water from rivers, streams, lakes or stagnant puddles can expose you to a wide variety of bugs and bacteria that could have a serious impact on your health, never mind your trip. I have spent weeks and months at a time on expeditions through various inhospitable terrains, relying on a variety of other filtration systems to provide me with an effective source of hydration, and I have to say the Water To Go bottle provides one of the most convenient ways to do this that I have come across outside of military kit.
The bottle itself isn’t the largest canteen I have ever used, but it does hold around 700 ml of drinking water at a time and is portable enough to easily carry in a daysac or small backpack, and that for me is the perfect compromise in size and utility.
Dependent on the pack itself you could probably fit the bottle into most of the mesh side pouches found on many packs, it fitted comfortably and securely into mine. It feels really strong and sturdy with just enough give in the bottle itself to gently squeeze a little water out when you need it, and the rubber grip feels nice and secure in your hand.
The filter is the real star here though. Fitted into the bottle cap itself you won’t have to carry any surplus kit like a straw or separate filter and it removes any need for any chlorine tablets. Using the filter has the extra benefit of giving you sweet tasting, safe, clear drinking water instead of water with a bitter chlorine taste, and not only kills all the bad stuff that will make you ill which chlorine does but even completely removes any dead bugs, bacteria or other nasty stuff which you really don’t want to consume too.
For a quick and easy overview of the most common illnesses, ailments and stomach complaints travellers can get from drinking contaminated water when travelling, check out this video here.
If you are heading off on an extended jungle or overnight mountain trek on your trip, then the Water To Go will provide you with a perfect way to source water without carrying a huge reservoir of bottled water or separate filtration or cleansing solution with you. It doesn’t matter whether the source is a flowing river, a stagnant pool, a lake, whatever. You can be sure that the filter will turn the end product into safe, clean and good tasting water.
How Is A Water Filter Bottle Useful For Everyday Travel?
Basically speaking there are 3 primary reasons you need this bottle in your travel life right now:
- Safe, healthy drinking water wherever you go.
- Save money on buying endless bottles of water every day.
- Save the environment by reducing the amount of single use plastic bottles you need to buy.
Although perfectly suited to the task of jungle trekking, mountain hiking or yomping off into the countryside for days, you don’t need to be an intrepid explorer to find the Water To Go useful. There really are a lot of benefits for the average traveller exploring cities, towns and beaches too.
Even if I am exploring the local must see sites instead of hiking through a jungle somewhere, I have always carried a bottle of water on me and in the past – before I got my refillable bottle – these were always single use plastic bottles that I had bought throughout the day. I’m a nurse at the end of the day and am a strong advocate for health and fitness so I know the importance of staying well hydrated, especially in hot or tropical regions.
My refillable Water To Go bottle means that I no longer have to buy a constant supply of plastic bottles everywhere. I will still buy the odd soft drink at dinner etc as well, but my water bottle use has dropped significantly.
Just as importantly the Water To Go bottle means that I know the water I am drinking is safe and clean.
From a health point of view, many backpackers and world travellers suffer from gastrointestinal problems around the world because their gut isn’t used to the bacteria found in the local water of many countries, or contract other parasites and bugs including Giardia, Cryptosporidia and many more from water that is actually contaminated.
Most travellers get around this issue by only drinking bottled water, even using it for brushing their teeth. This is fine and works very well, but it is inconvenient to constantly have to buy new bottles of water daily, not to mention the issues to your pocket and the environment.
Instead of buying new bottled water every day the Water To Go will allow you to get safe, clean drinking water from any source; puddles, lakes, streams, even tap water, so you can refill it as many times as you like from any source in any country and rest safe with the knowledge that the water you are drinking is safe and healthy. Imagine being able to just use the tap water in any country you go to. Imagine being able to refill at a stream or a puddle instead of having to buy another disposable plastic bottle.
Reducing the use of disposable, single use plastics is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time, and that alone should be a reason for using a refillable water bottle like this.
But on top of that you would also save a fair bit of money over the long term by not having to buy a few bottles of water every day, which is money better spent on activities or a nice room upgrade once in a while!
Yes you will have to buy the bottle which I admit isn’t exactly inexpensive as an initial outlay, and you will have to buy replacement filters every few months of continuous use, but when compared to the cost of other filtration systems or a long term supply of chlorine tablets, or even compared to a few bottles of branded water a day over an extended period, the cost really is negligible and the financial benefits really do add up.
Just think how much you spend on a couple of bottles of water a day over the course of a month, two months, three months? The reduction in plastic bottle consumption would also help – even in a small way – in reducing the vast amounts of pollution caused by plastic bottles every day.
So basically you get safe, clean drinking water from any source, held in a convenient, sturdy and attractive bottle. You save money in the long term and you help the environment. It’s a win, win, win all round!
I have used different water filtration systems a lot in the past, but I admit it has predominantly been on extended treks or expeditions. I have generally saved the filtration systems for an environment I thought they were more suited to and on an average backpacking trip through towns and cities I have generally bought bottled water as needed.
This bottle however would look no more out of place in my pack than a locally bought bottle of water. I can use it on extended expeditions or exploring a city, or even going down to the gym! (Although I may take the filter off for that), and I genuinely did enjoy having my own bottle with me constantly as opposed to buying branded bottled water all of the time.
I have been using the Water To Go filter bottle continuously now for five years! And apart from replacement filters every so often I still have the exact same bottle and it is still serving me well! It has definitely become a part of my everyday travel essentials and I strongly recommend it to anyone else thinking of travelling the world too.
Did you enjoy this article? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below or on my Facebook or Twitter pages and please feel free to share it with any or all of the social media buttons. If you want to get more great backpacking tips, advice and inspiration, please subscribe to updates via email in the box to your right.
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Michael Huxley is a published author, professional adventurer and founder of the travel website, Bemused Backpacker. He has spent the last twenty years travelling to over 100 countries on almost every continent, slowly building Bemused Backpacker into a successful business after leaving a former career in emergency nursing and travel medicine, and continues to travel the world on numerous adventures every year.
Bemused Backpacker 
Wow sounds useful, i’ll pass the world to my backpacking friends.
I’m sure they’ll thank you for it Axelle.
I sometimes worry about the purity of bottled water when I’m traveling in certain countries. This would solve that problem as well.
It certainly would. To be fair the majority of the time bottled water is fine, just be sure to check the seal to stop the old tap water scam that is prevalent in some countries. If it’s properly sealed, it should be fine. Having your own bottle does however take away any need to buy bottled water at all.
A bunch of us are planning on a trip to the Siwa Oasis, beyond the Egyptian White Desert – we’re talking a true Sahara-like environment. I’m really going to look into this one, it could definitely come in handy, especially since the oasis has its own water source, the purity of which is probably dubious at best.
This would certainly be very useful there Milosz, I have camped in many deserts, including the Sahara, and having your own water source is obviously essential (which I’m sure your guides will take care of) but you are right, when you find a source like an oasis just drink away. The filter on this bottle will remove any worry about consuming any bugs or parasites. Hope you have a great trip, the Siwa oasis is amazing!
Oh wow, this actually looks really good! I love the logo design on it, it is just a shame it is black, but I suppose that doesn’t matter too much. I am travelling at the moment (in Thailand now) and you are right I’m actually spending quite a lot on bottled water now that I come to think about it. Would love to have my own little bottle. I’ve thought about those sports bottles before but this looks way more useful. Will definitely have a look into this for my next trip. Thank you!
The bottle does come in a variety of colours Alice, black just happens to be the one I have. Check out the links to see what other options there are. And yes a filtered bottle like this is infinitely more useful than a normal sports bottle, I would highly recommend it. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you for this, I always love a review when it is comprehensive, especially when there is expert advice thrown in! I’ll definitely be buying one of these for my next trip!
You’re welcome Sandra, it is a great product (I would never endorse it otherwise) so I hope you found the review useful?
Wow sounds great!
It is! ;D
Useful info, thanks. I had to pause a few times to picture myself stocking up on water from a puddle. Seriously, the thought never crossed my mind.
Haha, most backpackers will never need to, there will be taps and other sources around first, but it’s good to know you can, right? ;D
This is fantastic! Will definitely be ordering one not only for travel purposes–but everyday use as well. Love the design.
I hope you enjoy using yours as much as I did mine.
I was just comparing some of the more popular Filtration Systems on the market. Never heard of that one though. Might have to take a close look. Thanks for sharing.
There are a lot of great ones out there Ben, I have used many myself in the past. Pick one that is right for you obviously, but this is a great choice if you decide to go with it. As useful in a city or backpacker hangout as it is trekking through a jungle somewhere
That would be indispensable on any camping trip or travel to an area with questionable water. Thanks for sharing!
Me too! A few bottles a day certainly adds up over the long term! This is definitely going to save me money in the long term
This is such a good idea! I seriously spend so much money on bottled water when I travel!
Me too! A few bottles a day certainly adds up over the long term! This is definitely going to save me money in the long term
I met some people while travelling who had that bottle and it was very useful especially when we were hiking and camping!
It definitely is useful Elena. Thanks for the comment.
Ha, I could have bought a few of these before moving to East Africa. We end up wasting so much plastic due to the water cleanliness issues here. I’ll definitely be trying this out once I am back in the States.
I know exactly what you mean with the amount of plastic waste, I have gone through so many plastic bottles over the years! I really do recommend getting one of these. If you decide to get one make sure you check out my latest offer, you get 15% of with my exclusive discount code!
Great review! I’m a huge hiker and actually have this same one and love it!
Glad to get another endorsement! I am really finding it to be an excellent filter bottle.
So useful and would have been great when I was backpacking or even future trips to be fair. I always have to have water with me so this appeals.
It really is useful! There’s always the discount code if you decide to buy one for future trips.
I was literally JUST looking all day yesterday at filter water bottles. Unfortunately… I can’t find one that doesn’t have a few reviews that mentions it leaks..Including this one. Waaa
Scared to buy one. I CAN’T have it leak.
Hi Nina, I have use a few different water canteens and filters now over the years, often in quite tough conditions, so I’ll give you as honest an answer as I can to try and reassure you.
The absolute vast majority of the time the canteens and the bottles I have had have given me no problems at all, including this one so far. I haven’t tested this bottle in extreme (jungle/mountain etc) conditions yet but I have put it through it’s paces – including dropping it down a long flight of stairs (by accident) – and it has given me no reason to think it wouldn’t be great in those conditions either.
When I have seen canteens or bottles fail – which has not been often – a lot of the time it is down to how they are used. I have seen canteens overfilled so that the water spills out as you put the filter in, I have seen bottles squeezed hard to get water out when all is needed is gentle pressure and I have seen tops overtightened so that the plastic screw/seal whatever it is called is compromised in some way. I’m not saying when bottles are treated in this way they will always fail, but in the rare times I have seen them fail one of these may have been a contributing factor.
Now this bottle does not have some mechanism to stop you overtightening it, which to be fair probably could be an improvement. But provided that you screw on the lid tight but don’t go overboard (so you hear a crack as you continue to tighten it), it will be secure. Don’t overfill it, don’t apply too much pressure, and it should be absolutely fine.
I have tested this thoroughly and I have had no problems with leaking or anything else. I honestly like it enough to replace my old canteen with it and keep it on me for future trips, and I honestly recommend it to you and any of my readers on that basis. If I wouldn’t use it myself, I honestly would not recommend it.
There are others on the market of course and it is absolutely up to you at the end of the day, but I personally really do like these bottles.
If you do decide to get one, then please feel free to make use of the 15% discount code and save yourself some money. (Remember I negotiated the discount BECAUSE I liked the product). And please come back and let me know what you think of it too!
This would have been handy to have on my recent backpacking trip that I just got back from. I had something very similar, but not so compact and lightweight. (Lightweight and durable without any leakage is key!) Thanks for the info on this, I will look into this brand!!!
That’s one of the things that I like about it too Alli, the fact it is compact and stylish but is still as practical and useful as some of my larger canteens! Feel free to use the discount if you like, there’s always the next trip! ;D Thanks for the comment.
Always hard work to pick a water filtration system.
We went for one when we left we bought a Steripen and the batteries are a real problem on the road (you need lithium batteries, not an easy thing to find in some places)
This one looks maybe better though!
I haven’t really been all that impressed with some of the steripens I’ve seen either to be honest, and I wouldn’t use any that requires a battery for that exact reason. The ease of use and practicality is one of the things I like best about this bottle, plus the fact that outwardly it looks like a simple, stylish sports bottle, good for the jungle or the city! Thanks for the comment.
That’s a good idea. I especially like the idea of being able to take water from streams and puddles – great if you get caught out without water when you’re on a long walk.
It is, it saves you the job of carrying a supply of water too. Perfect for long hikes or treks
This is a great idea! Definitely sounds very useful.
It is Jessica, definitely recommend it! Thanks for commenting
Will keep it in mind. Sounds like a great product.
It is. Definitely recommended.
I’m really glad I found this review and especially the discount code. Your comment on the leaking assured me to order one for myself and one for my girlfriend to use on our next big trip, so thank you
Thank you Tom, I am really glad the review and the code came in useful for you. Enjoy your next trip
can you really use it on ponds, streams- unknown water quality?
Hi Jim, yes you really can. I used it on a recent trip to Austria and refilled it in Alpine lakes and small ponds and falls in the mountains on numerous treks. You really can use it on any water source, the water that comes out through the filter is safe, clean and delicious.
Wow, I really need one of these! I get a little paranoid and tend to drink bottled water all the time. Thanks!
Glad to be of service, just to put your mind further at ease as a traveller myself AND a nurse, the filtered water really is safe and they really are better alternatives to plastic bottles.
I need to get one of these!
They are great!
Oh this is exactly what I was looking for! I’m heading to India and don’t want to be buying bottled water all the time!
Well I can definitely heartily recommend one of these bottles.
How does this compare with swayer mini/bottle filter and uv streripen? Will it remove viruses and metals? Can it be supplemented with chlorine dioxide tablets? I it suitable for use in Nepal where poor contaminated water is found especially on Everest base camp treks
Both those products are really good too, but in my opinion this is at the very least equally as good, if not better, and has the added functionality of the bottle too. There is absolutely no need at all to supplement it with tablets, and yes it is absolutely suitable anywhere. I have personally tested it in jungles, mountain, lakes and city environments all over the world.
Thanks for the reply. How can the filter remove virus as the water has to be treated and filters only remove particles and not contamination. The are no test results to show it removes viruses and based on research there has not been many reviews or comparison tests on water on the go bottles apart form reviews on amazon which are not comparison test results.
Honestly, check out the how it works section on their site, they can explain the science much better than I can. But I promise you as someone who has actually used the product (and many others previously) in almost every terrain imaginable, this is one of the best filter bottles I have ever used, which is why I recommend it.
I got two of the smaller version of this bottle for a trip — both leaked, and good luck finding replacement filters! Once you activate the filter on the bottles we got, it goes bad in about 6 months, regardless of how much water you’ve filtered (there’s a little indicator you put on the bottle the first time you use the filter.) When I tried to get replacement filters, the company sent me another bottle, and said to take the filter out of it! Can’t find replacement filters anywhere else.
Of course filters need replacing periodically, what did you expect, that they last forever? And replacements are readily available on the Water To Go site. In fact you can even use the code in my sidebar to get a discount! And if you recieved faulty bottles I suggest contacting them. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and have never had a problem.
What kind of material are they made of? I have never forgotten the time using a camel pack and it just tasted of plastic no matter what I did with it
It’s a soft plastic so it’s sturdy and durable but you can squeeze it. I can also personally guarantee the taste of the water you get out of it is pure and sweet.
Can you squeeze water out to brush teeth instead of having to suck? If not, has anyone got a better solution? I’m about to go backpacking and don’t want to leave a trail of plastic bottles behind…
Yes you can. Sorry the reply is so short but it’s a simple one! Hope it helps?
Interesting, so could you also use one of these to fill another ordinary water bottle with filtered water by squeezing water out of one of these?
Erm, sure, if you really wanted to?
Definitely getting me one of these! I have been thinking about getting one for a while but I have been holding off as I check reviews and check out different ones. Thanks for helping me decide!
You are more than welcome mate. Enjoy!
Sounds like an ideal way to reduce plastic waste. Definitely grabbing one of these.
It definitely is an investment.